Compartmentalized utility bag

ABSTRACT

A compartmentalized utility bag comprising a durable outer body and underframe, handles, and an inner construct or framework providing a plurality of contiguous compartments or bin-like structures.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Nonprovisional Application is related to, and hereby claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/779,340, entitled “Compartmentalized Utility Bag,” filed Mar. 3, 2006.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to tool bags, and more specifically to a compartmentalized utility bag that enables selected categorization and sequestration of a plurality of articles or items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Utility bags are commonly employed by construction workers, mechanics, service technicians, and the like, to conveniently store and transport a variety of tools necessary in the performance of their respective trades. As would be expected, most such utility bags are manufactured from selected heavy duty fabrics and rigid internal support frames that imbue the bag with engineer-specific performance characteristics, such as high load capacity, tear resistance, puncture resistance, water resistance, and other physical properties that collectively strengthen and increase overall utility of the bag. Accordingly, such bags are adapted to withstand the rigors of being loaded with an array of tools and miscellaneous hardware.

Additionally, although most utility bags provide a limited number of pockets or compartments disposed on the exterior or selected interior sidewalls of the bag, most such configurations significantly limit the user's overall ability to effectively categorize, organize and otherwise selectively sequester a plurality of tools, hardware and related components for ease of identification, location and subsequent access thereto. Indeed, with most conventional utility bags, and as a direct result of the inherent structural and functional limitations thereof, various tools and hardware are typically miscellaneously and haphazardly intermixed within the general bag compartment or pockets thereof; thus, lending to significant delays in locating a desired tool. Additionally, as a further consequence of the containment limitations presented by such conventional bags, many delicate tools, such as fine woodworking tools, are often damaged due to the inevitable clashing of the tools against one another during transport of the utility bag.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a compartmentalized utility bag that enables effective organization, separation and containment of a plurality of items, such as various tools, general hardware and related components for ease of identification, location and subsequent access thereto.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, and meets the recognized need for such an invention by providing a compartmentalized utility bag comprising a durable outer body and underframe, handles, and a matrix of compartments.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a compartmentalized utility bag comprising a durable outer body and underframe, handles, and an inner construct or framework providing a plurality of contiguous compartments or bin-like structures. The present invention optionally provides a transparent lid or cover receivable over the mouth of the bag.

More specifically, the present invention is a compartmentalized utility bag comprising a substantially rigid underframe over which is formed or otherwise disposed a durable outer body that provides the bag with a generally rectangular structural configuration, similar to a utility or tool box, and a large open mouth for ease of organization, placement and access to tools within a construct or framework of contiguous compartments disposed within the bag. That is, preferably formed, disposed, or otherwise removably contained within the bag is a lattice or matrix of compartments or bin-like structures dimensioned to receive and sequester an array of tools, general hardware and related components for ease of identification, location and subsequent access thereto. Additionally, a transparent lid or cover receivable over the mouth of the bag enables visual inspection of compartment contents without removal of the lid, and further functions to contain all items placed within the compartments.

The utility bag of the present invention still further provides a series of open pockets, flap-covered pockets, and other side compartments disposed on the exterior walls of the bag body. Additionally, bungee-straps disposed overtop selected side pockets or compartments are provided for removably-securing loose items therewithin.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a compartmentalized utility bag.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a utility bag comprising an inner construct or framework providing a plurality of contiguous compartments or bin-like structures.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention its ability to provide a utility bag comprising a matrix of compartments in combination with a transparent cover receivable over the mouth of the bag for enabling visual inspection of compartment contents without removal of the lid.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figure, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a compartmentalized utility bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

Referring generally now to. FIG. 1, the present invention in its preferred embodiment is a compartmentalized utility bag 10, comprising outer body 20, underframe 40, compartment matrix 60, pair of handles 80, and pockets 100.

Generally, outer body 20 is preferably formed or otherwise disposed over underframe 40 to provide bag 10 with a substantially rectangular structural configuration characterized by sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28, open mouth 30, and rigid closed bottom or underside 32 (i.e., similar to a utility or tool box). As such, large open mouth 30 enables ease of placement and access to tools contained within compartment matrix 60, and rigid underside 32 provides effective and durable support therefor.

More specifically, underframe 40 of bag 10 may comprise any rigid structure, including, without limitation, metal frames, molded metal shells, rigid plastic frames, molded plastic shells (ex., HMW polyethylene shells), molded bio-foam, molded vinyl, vinyl sheeting, metal sheeting, wood sheeting, stiff fiber board, metal mesh, plastic mesh, or the like. In any instance, however, underframe 40 is preferably utilized to reinforce and/or form, in part or in whole, the underlying framework of sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28, and/or underside 32, over which outer body 20 is formed or disposed.

As generally described hereinabove, outer body 20 is preferably formed or otherwise disposed over underframe 40. However, the selected manufacturing process for securing outer body 20 over or to underframe 40 is largely a function of the fabrics, materials or substrates utilized to form outer body 20. As such, depending upon the selected fabrics, materials or substrates, outer body 20 may be stitched, riveted, and/or integrally formed with, underframe 40. Although a variety of high-grade materials, fabrics, and other substrates may be utilized to form outer body 20, the present invention seeks to endow bag 10 with high strength and rugged durability and, as such, contemplates the manufacture of outer body 20 from, without limitation, nylon (ex., double layered 1000 denier DUPONT CORDURA PLUS nylon, nylon yarn N-56, etc.), DUPONT CORDURA, canvas (ex., heavy duck canvas, No. 8 natural canvas, No. 6 natural canvas, etc.), polyester (ex., heavy-duty water resistant 600 denier RIPSTOP polyester, double-layered 600×300 denier polyester, etc.), SPUNTUFF water resistant material, durable molded bio-foam, molded HMW polyethylene (ribbed or unribbed), leather, saddle leather, split leather, plastic, vinyl, polypropylene fabrics, polyethylene fabrics, polyolefin fabrics, plastic blends, and/or combinations of the foregoing.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates the provision of a substantially rigid bag structure, it should be recognized that bag 10 may be manufactured from underframes that enable collapsibility of bag 10, such as, for exemplary purposes only, vinyl wiring, nylon roping, and the like, wherein a soft outer fabric shell would then preferably be selected to function as outer body 20, and wherein similar materials could be utilized to form compartment matrix 60 (described more fully hereinbelow) to facilitate collapsibility of same.

Preferably disposed proximate to sidewalls 24, 28 are handles 82, 84, respectively, of pair of handles 80, wherein handles 82, 84 are each preferably secured to and extend between sidewalls 22, 26 of bag 10, proximate respective peripheral lips 23, 27 thereof. Handles 82, 84 are preferably formed from a substantially rigid, molded substrate, such as, for exemplary purposes only, anodized aluminum, anodized steel, anodized metals generally, powder-coated aluminum, powder-coated steel, powder-coated metals generally, molded rubber, hardened rubber, plastic, rubber-coated metal, and the like; however, pliable fabrics or other substrates may alternatively be utilized to form handles 82, 84. Handles 82, 84 comprise non-slip, ergonomic rubber gripping pads 82 a, 84 a, respectively, for facilitating secure grasping and handling of bag 10. Additionally, terminal ends 82 b, 84 b of handles 82, 84 are preferably riveted 85 or otherwise secured to respective sidewalls 22, 26, and/or respective peripheral lips 23, 27, of bag 10.

Preferably formed, disposed, or otherwise removable contained within bag 10 is compartment matrix 60, wherein compartment matrix 60 comprises a plurality of contiguous compartments or bin-like structures 62, each of equivalent or varying dimension for receipt and sequestration of an array of tools, general hardware and related components for ease of identification, location and subsequent access thereto. Compartment matrix 60 may comprise any rigid structure, including, without limitation, metal frames, rigid plastic frames, molded bio-foam, molded vinyl, vinyl sheeting, metal sheeting, wood sheeting, stiff fiber board, metal mesh, plastic mesh, or the like. Alternatively, compartment matrix 60 may be manufactured from selected fabrics, materials or substrates similar to those of outer body 20 and, thus, may be stitched, riveted, and/or integrally formed with outer body 20 and/or underframe 40. Accordingly, compartment matrix 60 may be manufactured from, without limitation, nylon, DUPONT CORDURA PLUS nylon, DUPONT CORDURA, canvas, polyester, SPUNTUFF water resistant material, durable molded bio-foam, molded HMW polyethylene (ribbed or unribbed), leather, saddle leather, split leather, plastic, vinyl, polypropylene fabrics, polyethylene fabrics, polyolefin fabrics, plastic blends, and/or combinations of the foregoing.

Additionally, bag 10 may receive a transparent lid or cover (not shown) receivable over bag mouth 30 to enable visual inspection of the contents within compartments 62 without removal of the lid. The lid further functions to contain all items placed within compartments 62.

Utility bag 10 still further provides a series of pockets 100 disposed over sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28, wherein pockets 100 may include, without limitation, open pockets 102, pre-form or heat molded open pockets 104, flap-covered pockets 106, and may still further include collapsible pockets, side compartments, pockets and slots of varying size, securing loops, and the like. Additionally, bungee-straps 108 securely disposed overtop selected pockets 100 are provided for removably-securing loose items therewithin.

Additionally, preferably disposed about the bottom corner edges of underside 32 of bag 10 are non-slip or rubberized gripping feet 110 for securely maintaining bag 10 in a selected position or location over a floor surface, and to further elevate underside 32 from the floor surface so as to prevent possible soilage thereof.

It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that compartment matrix 60 may extend over only a selected portion or portions of bag 10 and, as such, may present compartments 62 is any varied configuration or arrangement.

It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that compartment matrix 60 may comprise adjustable walls to provide compartments 62 of varying dimension. Such adjustability may be accomplished via ridge-and-channel arrangements, hook-and-loop fasteners, snap button arrangements, and the like.

It is contemplated in still another alternate embodiment that underside 32 of bag 10 may comprise drain holes to prevent water retention therewithin or thereover.

It is contemplated in yet another alternate embodiment that bag 10 may comprise a contoured, padded, slip-resistant shoulder strap for hands-free mobility of bag 10.

Having thus described the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims. 

1. A compartmentalized utility bag, comprising: a matrix defining a plurality of compartments disposed within said utility bag, said matrix comprising a rigid bottom, and a plurality of rigid walls extending generally perpendicularly therefrom defining said compartments.
 2. The compartmentalized utility bag of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of rigid walls is at least one of removable and rearrageable to modify at least one of a size and a position of at least one compartment.
 3. The compartmentalized utility bag of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said matrix is removable from said utility bag.
 4. The compartmentalized utility bag of claim 1, further comprising a cover.
 5. The compartmentalized utility bag of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of said cover is transparent to allow inspection of at least one of said compartments when said cover is disposed proximate said matrix.
 6. The compartmentalized utility bag of claim 4, wherein said cover is removably connected to a mouth of said utility bag.
 7. The compartmentalized utility bag of claim 6, wherein said cover seals at least one of said plurality of compartments when said cover is connected to said mouth of said utility bag.
 8. The compartmentalized utility bag of claim 4, wherein said cover is removably connected to said matrix.
 9. The compartmentalized utility bag of claim 1, further comprising at least one handle connected to said utility bag.
 10. The compartmentalized utility bag of claim 9, wherein said at least one handle is disposed proximate a peripheral portion of a mouth of said utility bag such that said handle traverses a portion of said mouth spaced from said matrix.
 11. The compartmentalized utility bag of claim 1, wherein said bottom comprises a bottom of said utility bag.
 12. A compartmentalized utility bag, comprising: an inner construct providing a plurality of contiguous compartments or bin-like structures; and a cover, said cover removably connected to one of a mouth of said utility bag and said inner construct.
 13. A compartmentalized utility bag, comprising: a matrix of compartments; and, a transparent cover receivable over a mouth of said bag for enabling visual inspection of contents contained within said matrix of compartments, without removal of said lid from said mouth of said bag. 